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With our observance of Sadhu Paksha having come to a close, we start our new phase with a homa and with a parade out to change the flag and have arati at Iraivan Temple. Here are reminders from Gurudeva, from his Saiva Dharma Shastras, detailing the significance and sadhanas of this inner season.

112 Introduction
Beginning with Hindu New Year in mid-April, three seasons of the year divide our activities into three great needs of humankind--the learning of scripture in the first season, Nartana Ritau; the living of culture in the second season, Jivana Ritau; and the meditating on Siva in the third season, Moksha Ritau. Thus we are constantly reminded that our life is Siva's life and our path to Him is through study, sadhana and realization. In ritau one, we teach the philosophy; in ritau two, we teach the culture; and in ritau three, we teach meditation.

120 The Third Season: Moksha Ritau
The third period of the year, Moksha Ritau, the cool season, is from mid-December to mid-April. It is the season of dissolution. The key word is resolution. Merging with Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Metaphysics is the focus of study and intense investigation. The colors of this season are coral-pink, silver and all shades of blue and purple--coral for the Self within, silver and blue for illumination, and purple for enlightened wisdom. High above flies the coral flag, signaling Parasiva, Absolute Reality, beyond time, form and space. Moksha Ritau is a time of appreciation, of gratitude for all that life has given, and a time of honoring elders, those in the sannyasa stage of life. Moksha Ritau is excellent for philosophical discussions, voicing one's understanding of the path through an enlightened intellect. In finance, it is the time for yearly accounting and reconciliation. On a mundane level it is a time of clearing attics, basements, garages, sheds, warehouses, workshops and desks, getting rid of unneeded things, of pruning trees, of streamlining life on the physical plane--of reengineering.

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Our two traveling swamis have reached New Delhi, where they will be presenting at a conference sponsored by the prestigious India Foundation. The topic is India's Soft Power, which means the nation's cultural strengths and gifts to the world, such as ayurveda, yoga, art, cuisine, Bollywood, philosophy, travel, music, dance and such. They met with artist Baani Sekhon who did the artwork for the current Insight on bhakti saints. And also spend some time with Rajiv Malik and his wife, Dolly. The actual conference begins tomorrow.

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In this issue's Publisher's Desk editorial, Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami addresses how to separate your awareness from what you are aware of and enjoy a part of your mind that is always peaceful and all-pervasive

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About half a year ago we had to remove the old, dilapidated stairs and deck which led up to the Sun Palace. Over the last few days however, the monks of the Siddhidatta kulam prepared the area, poured concrete slabs and installed this wonderful, aluminum, spiral staircase. Jai!

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Two projects making great strides this week are the installation of the last section on Iraivan Temple's hand-railing and the placing of the top of the "Na," "Ma," "Si," "Va," "Ya" steps which leads into the sanctum.

From Our Gurus' Teachings

Good conduct is right thought, right speech and right action." Apply T-H-I-N-K: true, helpful, inspirational, necessary, kind in our thoughts, words and deeds. "Conduct ourself properly within ourself." Encourage rather than discourage. Praise rather than criticize. Speak an abundance of sincere inspirational words.

"Namaste" and "vanakkam," core practices of greeting. Recognizing that God is within everyone, the same God within me is within you. A Hindu concept not necessarily believed by other religions. Bowing to God is one of the ways we strengthen our humility and lessen our sense of ego and pride.

For peace in the world stop the war in the home." The key to world peace is inside the individual. The most important thing I can do today is be peaceful. Harmony, peace and tolerance radiate out to the community from the home and from the Hindu temple. "Everything is all right, right now." Affirmation is a useful tool to move out of a disturbed state of mind. Practice being in the eternal now.